The Buffalo Bills finally made the move I have been waiting for all off-season. No, it was not a trade for DeAndre Hopkins, and no, they did not add any talent to the MLB room. What they did do was bring back Shaq Lawson. While this may not be the sexiest of moves or the biggest headline grabber, I think this is a great move by the organization to really establish the floor of the defensive end room headed into the draft. Does this move preclude the Bills from adding a defensive end in the draft? Absolutely not, and I would not be surprised to see another meaningful draft pick go toward the position on draft day.

What Shaq does bring to the table is an above-average veteran who plays with consistency and knows the system. You won’t get a 15-sack season out of Shaq, but you will get steady, consistent play. You get a player who is always where he is supposed to be and doing his 1/11th. We were able to see what the team thought about Shaq last season and, in turn, what they thought of the rest of the DE room when Von Miller went down with a season-ending injury. In a room full of first and second-round young developing draft picks, it was Lawson who was the next man up, not Epenesa or Basham. Groot has had some nice development and between Epenesa and Basham, I don’t believe we’ve seen enough to have them as day-one starters opposite of Groot as Miller works his way back from injury.

Could we see through the off-season and training camp either Basham or Epenesa take that step that we’ve been waiting for? Sure, but I don’t think going into camp with that development as your only plan and hope for the best would be wise. The team could also spend a high pick at the position, but that also doesn’t guarantee immediate impact. Bringing Shaq Lawson back immediately gives you a player who you know exactly what you will get out of him. If investments are made or development happens that pushes him down the depth chart, even better. Could do a hell of a lot worse at DE4 than Shaq Lawson.

Let me know in the comments what you think about Shaq coming back and your overall thoughts on the DE room for the Bills. Do you think we should add talent in the draft or maybe a free agent you like after the draft?